[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 48 (Thursday, April 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             SALUTE TO THE PLEASANT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

                                 ______


                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 1994

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a school 
district that has been educating elementary school children in 
Camarillo, CA for 125 years, the Pleasant Valley School District.
  Established on November 10, 1868, Pleasant Valley is the oldest 
existing school district in Ventura County and the source of 
inspiration and knowledge for many generations of young people well-
served by their time there.
  Three years after the end of the Civil War, John and Rebecca Mahan 
and their three children settled in the picturesque area know as 
Pleasant Valley. At the time, the nearest school the children could 
have attended was located miles away in San Buenaventura, now known as 
the city of Ventura. But the journey to the school was long and--
particularly in rainy weather--often treacherous.
  Concerned about his children's education, Mr. Mahan made the one-day 
trip to the Santa Barbara County seat to secure the permit establishing 
the school district thenceforth known as the Pleasant Valley School 
District.
  Located about 10 miles east of the Pacific Ocean and covering an area 
of about 65 miles, the district began with six pupils and a teacher 
holding classes in an abandoned granary. Funds became available in 1871 
that allowed the district to build its first wood-frame schoolhouse 
with seats, handmade desks, and a blackboard.
  Over the years, population in the area increased and so did the 
number of children sent to Pleasant Valley schools. In 1922, there were 
152 students. This number climbed to 270 by 1940, 592 in 1952 and 860 
in 1958. Today, there are roughly 7,000 students in 13 schools served 
by 356 certificated and 190 classified employees.
  In short, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me 
in saluting the Pleasant Valley School District in its celebration of 
125 years of fine education. Many in the Camarillo community have 
devoted their time and talents to ensure the success of the district 
and of its students. Generations of young people have been made aware 
of the past, given a vision of the future and will-equipped to face the 
challenges of today through their association with the district.
  I have no doubt that the teachers, administrators and supporters of 
the Pleasant Valley School District will continue to make an important 
contribution to children's lives for many years to come.

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